Shazurak (Sha-zu-rak)
by S. Mikkelsen
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Shazurak are a sentient humanoid alien with a dense muscular structure who stand around average human height. They have furrowed skin in various grey tones, along with bald heads. all features developed to survive the surface heat of their homeworld. They also have sharp, jagged teeth. enableing them to both tear into flesh with freigthing efficenty, but also enables the Shazuraks to scrape moss and lichen off rocks for neutrients on thier homeworld, when supplies are low. further they have stubby outer ears and vibrant colored Irises in various colors.
Biological Traits
Characteristics:
Shazurak have the following modifiers applied to their characteristics: END+1, EDU-1Traits:
Heat Resistance: Shazuraks furrowed skin provide increased heat resistance. They gain a +2DM to END checks related to Hot temperatures. they also suffer -2DM in Cold temperatures.Volcanic Survivors: Shazurak are experts at surviving in volcanic environments. They gain a +1DM to Survival checks when navigating volcanic landscapes, finding food and water sources, tracking and identifying safe routes and shelters.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Shazur is the ancestral homeworld of the Shazurak. through centuries of slaver raids on their homeworld and the subsequent slave-trade Shazuraks have been spread far and wide across the galaxy. having lead to generations of Shazuraks whom have never said foot on their homeworld, knowing little off it other than tales told to them as children.
Civilization and Culture
Culture and Cultural Heritage
The Culture of Shazurak natives is intrinsically connected to the extreme conditions of their volcanic homeworld, Shazur. Amidst the desolation of molten rock and ash, the Shazurak have learned to coexist with nature's fury. To survive Shazur's harsh conditions, the Shazurak have established underground cave towns. These subterranean havens provide refuge from the surface's scorching heat and shifting lava flows. For the Shazurak, adapting to their environment has become second nature.
Shazurak society is organized into distinct clans, each led by a powerful chieftain known as a Daimyo. These clans are not merely political entities but extensions of the Shazurak's individual identities. What sets them apart are the vivid colors of their irises, marking their allegiance and heritage. Clan rivalries are a cornerstone of Shazurak culture, and they often compete for territory and resources. These rivalries can escalate into conflicts resembling feudal wars, complete with strategic alliances and territorial disputes.
Shazurak clans have carved out territories both underground and on the surface of Shazur. Underground, they have created sprawling cave cities, complete with networks of tunnels, reservoirs, and geothermal power sources. These underground realms are considered highly valuable and are fiercely protected. On the surface, where life is more precarious, Shazurak villages can be found. However, these settlements are often temporary, as the ever-shifting lava flows and geothermal activity dictate the need for constant relocation. Surface villages typically serve as outposts for resource collection and defense.
The hostile environment of Shazur has made resources a valuable commodity. The Shazurak engage in resource wars against rival clans. while they also try to fend off against off-world raiders and slavers seeking to exploit the Shazurak species. These battles for resources have honed the Shazurak's combat prowess and strategic thinking. Survival on Shazur depends on the ability to secure vital resources such as water, food, safety from the environment while also being able to either flee or fight off-worlders.
Shazuraks who have grown up in societies far removed from Shazur have adapted to the cultures of their new homeworlds. They may no longer place value on the color of the iris, and they might not even be aware of its significance on their ancestral world. While their culture may have blended with other galactic societies or been entirely substituted, Their unyielding nature persists.
Geographic Distribution
Related Organizations
